Living Sphere :: Treatment

If symptoms are minimal or non existent treatment may not even be necessary. However, if symptoms or transmission risks are a concern a variety of options are available.

It is important to discuss your options with your health care provider who can assist you to monitor the effectiveness of the chosen treatment and make adjustments where necessary. Things you may need to take into consideration when discussing your treatment options are the frequency, location and severity of outbreaks.

Topical Creams

Topical creams are only effective for oral herpes outbreaks and are available over the counter from chemists and in supermarkets.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies such as naturopathy and aromatherapy may also be of assistance in some cases and where a person does not wish to take antiviral medication.

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral medications can help relieve the symptoms and length of outbreaks when taken symptomatically (during outbreaks) and have been proven to reduce asymptomatic shedding when taken suppressively (continuously to minimise outbreaks).

Name: Acyclovir (acyclovir)
Manufacturer: Alphapharm Pty Ltd
For treatment of: HSV2
Type of treatment: Oral (tablet)
Description: A small blue round tablet with one side marked 'ACYCLO-V 200.'
How it works: Acyclo-V makes an outbreak of genital herpes shorter and less severe. It works by stopping the production of the virus which causes genital herpes.
Dosage: Symptomatically - To treat an outbreak of herpes the usual dose is one tablet every fours hours (a total of 5 per day). Usually for a five day period during an outbreak. Suppressively - To prevent or reduce the number of outbreaks the usual dose is one tablet three times a day. Usually taken daily for a six month period.
Possible side affects: Some common side effects can include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea; headache, dizziness; joint pain.
Availability: Available in packs of 25 or 90 tablets by prescription only

Name: Famvir (famciclovir)
Manufacturer: NOVARTIS Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd
Website: www.novartis.com.au | www.herpes.com.au
For treatment of: HSV2
Type of treatment: Oral (tablet)
Description: A round white tablet with one side marked 'FAMVIR' or 'FV' and the other 125 or 250.
How it works: Famvir helps to relieve the symptoms and shorten the duration of genital herpes outbreaks.
Dosage: Symptomatically - To treat an outbreak of herpes the usual dose is one 125 mg tablet twice each day for five days. Suppressively - To prevent recurrent episodes the usual dose is one 250 mg tablet twice each day for up to 12 months.
Possible side affects: Some common side effects can include: headache, dizziness; nausea; or diarrhoea.
Availability: Available in packs of 40 or 56 tablets by prescription only.

Name: Valtrex (valaciclovir)
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd
Website: www.gsk.com.au | www.thefacts.com.au
For treatment of: HSV2
Type of treatment: Oral (tablet)
Description: Valtrex tablets are biconvex, elongated, unscored, white film-coated tablets with 'GX CF1' printed in blue on one side.
How it works: Valtrex works by stopping the multiplication of the virus which causes herpes. It can reduce the length and severity of an outbreak, the duration of pain and help the blisters to heal more quickly.
Dosage: Symptomatically - The usual course of treatment is five days, however, in some instances your doctor may prescribe a ten day treatment. Suppressively - For prevention of herpes infections continuous daily treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
Possible side affects: Some common side effects can include: headache; gastrointestinal discomfort (vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion).
Availability: Available in packs of 10 or 30 tablets by prescription only.